The inland mangrove wetland system near Balapitiya on the southwest coast – a 900-hectare network of channels, small islands, and mangrove ecosystems explored by small motorboat in a slow, intimate nature encounter that is completely different in character from any safari drive or coastal beach stop. Cinnamon island, Buddhist temple island, kingfisher-filled mangrove tunnels, and natural fish therapy pools together create one of the most distinctive and reliably enjoyable half-day experiences on any south coast itinerary.